They are building a four-component project which comprises a petroleum storage terminal (known as CODT or central oil distribution terminal), a palm oil refinery together with kernel crusher plant, an oil and gas jetty, and a light petrochemical and oleochemical park to serve the states central region.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud on Tuesday performed the earth-breaking ceremony for the first component, the CODT.

ASSAR Senari Group chairman Tan Sri Bujang Nor said the entire project was on a 54.6ha site known as the ASSAR Senari Industrial Complex Dua (ASIC 2).

Its integrated development followed the similar development of ASIC 1 at Senari in Kuching, according to him.

He said other downstream facilities such as biodiesel and oleochemical plants would be considered when there was abundant supply of crude palm oil in the region.

On the CODT, Bujang Nor said it could hold 500 million litres of petroleum per year and was expected to be ready by end-2009.

Tan Sri Bujang Nor

When completed, giant ships carrying petroleum can come here to discharge their cargo, reducing millions of ringgit in logistic costs to the oil companies, he said.

On the palm oil refinery, Bujang Nor said the aim was to tap the huge potential of palm oil production in the region.

He said the refinery, capable of producing 1,000 tonnes per day, would be launched soon by a consortium comprising TA Ann Holdings Bhd, Rimbunan Hijau Group, Tradewinds Plantations Bhd and Bintulu Lumber Development Sdn Bhd.

He said when ready, the oil and gas jetty would be able to handle the international export markets.

Additionally, Tanjung Manis will serve as the import-export hub for central Sarawak and its hinterlands, he added.

In his speech earlier, Taib said Tanjung Manis was expected to grow fast and by 2010, it would need an outlet to export its products and import machinery for its industries.  Bernama